National Association of Counties

Achievement Award Program

Mental Health Diversion ("MHD")

May. 1, 2022
Tags: Justice & Public Safety
  • Justice & Public Safety
    Achievement Award Program

    Mental Health Diversion ("MHD")

    Mental Health Diversion (“MHD”) is a viable alternative to incarceration for the mentally ill population by allowing defendants in criminal cases to be evaluated, diagnosed, and placed into the appropriate community-based treatment programs. To make the MHD program even more efficient and successful, the San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Office (“PDO”) established a unique, collaborative approach with the Department of Behavioral Health (“DBH”). Using this collaborative approach with DBH, 94% of PDO clients who are granted MHD are either currently performing successfully, or have already performed successfully, and have had their cases dismissed as a result. County San Bernardino County, Calif. Featured Resources Announcing 2022 Achievement Award Winners Achievement Award Category Criminal Justice and Public Safety
    Mental Health Diversion ("MHD")
    May 1, 2022
    May 1, 2022, 12:00 am
    Achievement Award ProgramJustice & Public Safety
2022 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Mental Health Diversion ("MHD")
San Bernardino County, Calif.

About the Program

CATEGORY: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
YEAR: 2022
Mental Health Diversion (“MHD”) is a viable alternative to incarceration for the mentally ill population by allowing defendants in criminal cases to be evaluated, diagnosed, and placed into the appropriate community-based treatment programs. To make the MHD program even more efficient and successful, the San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Office (“PDO”) established a unique, collaborative approach with the Department of Behavioral Health (“DBH”). Using this collaborative approach with DBH, 94% of PDO clients who are granted MHD are either currently performing successfully, or have already performed successfully, and have had their cases dismissed as a result.

Explore Winning Programs

Mental Health Diversion (“MHD”) is a viable alternative to incarceration for the mentally ill population by allowing defendants in criminal cases to be evaluated, diagnosed, and placed into the appropriate community-based treatment programs. To make the MHD program even more efficient and successful, the San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Office (“PDO”) established a unique, collaborative approach with the Department of Behavioral Health (“DBH”). Using this collaborative approach with DBH, 94% of PDO clients who are granted MHD are either currently performing successfully, or have already performed successfully, and have had their cases dismissed as a result. County San Bernardino County, Calif. Featured Resources Announcing 2022 Achievement Award Winners Achievement Award Category Criminal Justice and Public Safety
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